Holly Springs vs Raleigh: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Holly Springs, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Holly Springs, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,686 | $58,092▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.33 | $27.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,570 | $38,623▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,245 | $46,829▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,353▲ | $64,455 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,451▲ | $76,763 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 2,550▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Holly Springs.
The salary gap between Holly Springs and Raleigh is $5,406 (10.26%). Raleigh's median is -3.46% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Holly Springs spans $42,881,Raleigh spans $38,140. Holly Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($59,183 effective) pays 5.14% more than Holly Springs ($56,288 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Holly Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,451)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,092/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,183)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Holly Springs grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Holly Springs, NC
$46,964 (2024) → $50,747 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$46,460 (2019) → $55,955 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Holly Springs, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Holly Springs or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Holly Springs and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Holly Springs to Raleigh as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Holly Springs vs Raleigh?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov